Ruben Amorim explains Zirkzee substitution that baffled Gary Neville

Ruben Amorim has explained the thinking behind a half-time decision that left Gary Neville baffled, after Manchester United were held to a disappointing draw against Wolves at Old Trafford.

The Manchester United dropped points against Wolverhampton Wanderers, with the 1-1 result extending frustration around Amorim’s early tenure and prompting questions over his in-game management.

United had taken the lead in the first half through Joshua Zirkzee, who produced a sharp turn on the edge of the box before seeing his effort deflect into the net. It was a rare moment of incision in an otherwise laboured display.

However, Zirkzee did not return for the second half and was replaced by academy midfielder Jack Fletcher, a decision that immediately drew scrutiny.

The substitution was particularly surprising given that Mason Mount had already missed the game with a “small” injury, limiting United’s attacking options.

As the second half unfolded, Gary Neville openly questioned the logic behind withdrawing a goalscorer at the interval.

“It’s going to be a painful aftermath for Ruben Amorim,” Neville said on Sky Sports.
“He is going to get serious questions in his press conference.

“If he was injured, fair enough. If he wasn’t, it’s a bizarre substitution to make.”

United went on to miss chances to restore their lead, with Patrick Dorgu seeing a late goal ruled out and Benjamin Šeško going close.

Speaking after the match, Ruben Amorim offered a tactical explanation — notably without referencing any injury to Zirkzee.

“We were running around and trying to recover the ball,” Amorim said.
“They overload with a lot of midfielders and we were struggling with that.

“Sometimes you can attack better with less strikers. We played with three strikers — Cunha, Josh and Ben — and sometimes it’s not the best way to attack well.”

The United boss suggested the change was made to improve balance rather than punish performance.

Wolves equalised shortly before half-time through Ladislav Krejčí, whose header punished United’s inability to control the game.

Despite late pressure, Wolves looked comfortable for long spells and saw out the match to claim what Amorim later admitted was a fair result.

Amorim placed the blame squarely on United’s attacking cohesion, admitting his side lacked imagination and fluidity throughout the contest.

“We struggled in the game. We had a lack of creation,” he said.
“It’s a completely different game compared to Newcastle. We had more men behind the ball and when you do, you have to work harder to get imagination.

“We lacked that quality today. We didn’t play well.”

The draw leaves Manchester United sixth in the Premier League table, two points behind Liverpool in fourth — having played a game more — and a worrying 15 points adrift of leaders Arsenal.

With scrutiny intensifying, Amorim’s decisions are likely to remain under the microscope as United search for consistency.

Was Amorim right to prioritise structure over goals — or did the Zirkzee substitution cost United two points?